10 Best Laptops With Backlit Keyboards In 2024 [Expert Picks]
Knowing your way around a computer can make all the difference in today's digital age. But if you frequently use your laptop in low light conditions or often work late into the night, having a backlit keyboard can be a game changer.
This feature illuminates the keys from below, making it easy for you to type accurately in dim settings. If you're considering upgrading your hardware, you might want to check out this list of the best laptops with backlit keyboards.
It's not just about convenience; choosing a laptop with a backlit keyboard could also boost your productivity levels and lessen eye strain during those late-night work sessions. Plus, let's admit it - there's something undeniably cool about seeing your keyboard light up as you prepare to conquer that last chunk of work, right?
So whether it’s for work, gaming, or those Netflix binge-watching sessions, let’s walk through some great options for your next purchase.
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The 10 Best Laptops With Backlit Keyboards In 2024
Here is the list of the Top 10 best laptops with backlit keyboards:
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | BUTTON |
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Lenovo LOQ |
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Acer Predator Helios |
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Gigabyte AORUS |
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ASUS ZenBook 14X |
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LG gram |
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HP Pavilion |
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ASUS TUF Dash 15 |
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Acer Aspire 5 |
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HP Victus |
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ASUS ROG Strix G16 |
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Whether you're a professional digital artist, a die-hard gamer, a full-time student, or someone who enjoys the convenience of working from home, these are the top 10 laptops with backlit keyboards you'll want to check out in 2023.
They come with top-of-the-range specs and feature designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for long hours of use.
1. Lenovo LOQ
The Lenovo LOQ is a powerhouse that beautifully combines performance with affordability, pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from a laptop that is both suitable for work and play.
Let's look at the specifics. The first thing that blew me away was its speed. The Lenovo LOQ runs on an Intel i7-13700H, making it one of the high-performance laptops available in the market today.
And when you pair this with a whopping 32GB DDR5 RAM, unarguably more than most of us really need for everyday computing needs – expect seamless multitasking and ultra-fast data access.
The graphics, powered by NVIDIA RTX 4060, are incredibly impressive. I tested it by running Star Citizen- a notoriously resource-consuming game - and it handled the game like a breeze, suggesting that heavy-duty gaming or graphic design could be proficiently managed too!
This workhorse also gives you ample storage space with its 1TB SSD. For me, this feature proved to be ideal, given my extensive collection of high-resolution photos and videos.
The wide array of ports proves useful for different peripherals. Its two stereo speakers offer good-quality sound, making it a choice machine for Netflix binging or soundtrack listening. But here’s where we hit a bit of contention - at 5.50 pounds, some might find it hefty to tote around all day.
The backlit keyboard adds to its charm – helping me type conveniently in dim-lit situations like late-night work sessions or red-eye flights.
N,ow let’s touch upon some user reviews: many have hailed it as an 'affordable yet powerful' laptop perfect for gaming. Although imbued in plastic, users have appreciated Lenovo’s knack for making their laptops sturdy and solid. However, do keep your usage habits in check; a few users did experience lag when multiple tabs were open.
My Verdict
On the whole, I found the Lenovo LOQ to be a fairly well-rounded laptop - a powerhouse veiled in minimalistic charm.
If you’re seeking performance without punching a hole in your pocket and are okay with a bit of weightiness, the Lenovo LOQ is an excellent buy.
Pros And Cons
2. Acer Predator Helios
There's something otherworldly about the Acer Predator Helios. From its captivating design, weighty feel, and ample power, this $1,449 laptop delivers a performance that belongs to a whole different dimension. All these features make it one of my favorite picks.
Sporting a 16" QHD screen powered by an Intel i7-13700HX CPU with NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics, this device is just as great for gaming as it is for those demanding creative projects.
Yes, it comes with a price tag that may raise eyebrows, but trust me, folks, you get more bang for your buck than you could have hoped for.
Undeniably heavy at almost 6 pounds (5.73 to be precise), the Helios has an undoubtedly premium feel that screams ruggedness and durability. You know it means business right out of the box.
Without a shred of doubt in my mind, I can honestly say the Acer Predator Helios surpasses all expectations, matching up well even with my desktop equipped with an RTX3080.
In two weeks of non-stop usage running AI programs and GPU-intensive tasks round-the-clock, the device held up splendidly well without any hitches. The cooling system is as good as one can ask for.
While its weight might put off some users seeking portability above all else (me included), there's no overlooking how cool its backlit keyboard looks, illuminating in all sorts of colors in low light conditions; classic gamer aesthetics.
But what truly steals the show is the stunning screen aspect ratio - wide enough to provide an immersive viewing experience without feeling cramped.
Not to forget those Plus points - ample ports are generously spread out. We're talking about 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Ports, Thunderbolt 4, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Ports, HDMI 2.1, Headphone/Speaker/Line-out Jack, and then some Ethernet (RJ-45).
However, it’s not all sunlight and roses: the Windows 11 operating system can admittedly be tedious to navigate with its annoying array of questions and decisions you need to make before setting things up. It's not what I signed up for when I want to get right down to work or gaming.
My verdict
Despite my minor grubbiness about its weight or the initial skirmish with the Windows 11 setup, the Acer Predator Helios stands tall as a stellar performance powerhouse.
Yes, there have been occasional reports about malfunctioning keyboards and faulty hard drives. Still, for the most part, user experiences have been positive and outweighed these issues by far (me included!).
Pros And Cons
3. Gigabyte AORUS
This gaming beast, GIGABYTE AORUS, surely commands a second look. Priced at $1,112, it uniquely balances the divergent worlds of cost-effectiveness and powerful performance.
One of the things I absolutely love about the GIGABYTE AORUS is its incredible power - a fact that's exemplified by its Intel i7-13700H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card.
From my experience, it effortlessly handles every task or game thrown at it. Whether it was God of War or Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, everything ran smoothly on this laptop's immersing 15.6" FHD 144Hz screen. The performance only amplifies when you plug in this 5.5-pound machine.
However, a word to the wise - the battery life isn't commendable when running on high settings without a power connection; expect around two hours before you're reaching for that charger again.
This laptop has room for an upgrade, too. If you need more power than what's already offered, you can step up its RAM or SSD storage.
While there was so much light surrounding this powerhouse, I soon found areas where shadows lurked to tarnish my satisfaction.
Its pre-installed software or lack thereof as my unit arrived without a default webcam driver. Sure, an external webcam is always an option but doesn't one purchase a new product expecting full function?
Another drawback surfaced post-Windows 11 update which turned from anticipation to dread as I started experiencing performance anomalies with heavy-performance tasks and random shut-offs were the order of the day.
The disappointment continued with Miracast too - projecting screens simply became unpredictable.
My Verdict
Despite its flaws (no product is perfect, after all), personally, I feel the GIGABYTE AORUS holds its ground well in performance.
If you're a gamer chasing an affordable laptop that doesn't compromise on the graphics or speed, then this is your go-to choice.
On the flip side, if you rely heavily on functions such as webcam and presenting screens, be prepared to deal with some significant setbacks.
Pros And Cons
4. ASUS ZenBook 14X
The ASUS ZenBook 14X combines efficient performance with an appealing design. This machine is powered by an Intel i7-1260P CPU and NVIDIA MX550 graphics for a smooth computing experience.
With its impressive 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD storage, you have ample room for all your applications, files, and folders.
As soon as I unboxed the ZenBook 14X, I was instantly captivated by its sleek and sexy exterior. The initial finger smudges on its beautiful body might irk some but are easily dispelled with a nice clean.
That aesthetic appeal isn't skin deep though. It sports a vibrant 14” 2.8K display which is sure to leave you in awe while streaming your favorite movies or multitasking on spreadsheets.
Just like me, once you turn this laptop on, you’ll be impressed with its robust performance that’s almost twice as fast as the previous generation Zenbook models.
Its lightning-fast processor allowed me to juggle multiple applications without breaking a sweat while the memory ensured swift retrieval of files and software.
However, one downside is the slightly lagging startup time which doesn’t quite meet the EVO standard of displaying the home screen within two seconds after opening the lid # - it generally takes around seven to eight seconds instead.
Upon extended usage, I discovered that despite having an OLED screen which usually consumes more power than LCD ones, this laptop manages approximately six to seven hours of screen time performing general tasks such as emailing or using Facebook - similar to most other premium laptops in today's market.
This keyboard grabbed my attention for multiple reasons: it not only glows beautifully in dim light but also packs innovative ScreenPad tricks up its sleeve.
Although the ScreenPad 2.0, a 5.65-inch interactive touchscreen trackpad, might seem complicated and quirky - now enthusiastic navigators may find it a bit disruptive.
One area where the ZenBook shines is its abundant I/O ports variety, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.0 among others - catering to your diverse connectivity needs.
My Verdict
The ASUS ZenBook 14X is definitely a steal at $1,384 with its blend of performance and eye-catching design. However, bear in mind that it fingerprints easily and has a slightly slower startup time.
Pros And Cons
5. LG gram
The LG gram is a powerhouse of portability and performance bundled into one sleek package. Let's dig into the details a little more, shall we?
Priced at $1,299, the laptop is pretty much a catch. A cool feature that came in handy during late night Netflix marathons was the backlit keyboard. The keys are well designed and require minimal pressure to punch in commands.
One of the most striking features is its vibrant 14" WUXGA screen display. I found it particularly appealing because optimizes my images and videos with impressive detail and colour accuracy.
Sure enough, it caters well to photophiles like me who prefer a 1920x1280 display for editing 3:2 format photos without annoying black strips.
Underneath its hood sits an Intel i5-1240P CPU coupled with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Its fast processing speed makes tasks like running Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop feel like a breeze.
The inclusion of a convertible feature along with an included stylus further enhances photo editing capabilities.
The LG gram comes packed with ample connectivity options including two USB 4 Gen3x2 Type C ports (compatible with Power Delivery, Display Port, Thunderbolt 4), USB-A 3.2 Gen 2x1 port, HDMI, and a standard headphone jack.
Its lightweight design at just 2.2 pounds makes it super handy to carry around in backpacks or handbags which I love about this specific laptop.
However, no product is perfect without some pitfalls. Upon unboxing the laptop, I noticed what appeared to be fingerprints on it despite being packed nicely from factory end which was a tad disappointing for me as it raises questions about hygiene standards at LG's manufacturing units.
Also during my usage, the laptop screen occasionally behaved like a dreadful 30hz monitor losing its charm and there were few instances of CPU inconsistencies.
My Verdict
In conclusion, the LG gram is an apt choice for those demanding performance with portability. Although it has few shortcomings as stated above, its prowess in areas of screen resolution, connectivity options and the addition of a backlit keyboard makes it a compelling investment.
Pros And Cons
6. HP Pavilion
The HP Pavilion 15 has made some waves in the tech market for delivering a punch in terms of both performance and functionality.
After unboxing and using it firsthand, I was impressed by its sleek silver design. The aesthetic alone made this laptop feel worth more than its price tag, which is modest at $734.
Boasting a 15.6'' Full HD screen, Intel i7-1255U CPU, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, a storage capacity of 512GB SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM – this laptop was made to handle heavy tasks like gaming or CPU-intensive work with aplomb.
As far as connectors go, the HP Pavilion 15 carries an impressive assortment. It has two USB Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.1 port for external monitors or projectors, one Kensington Lock for security purposes.
An AC smart pin, one USB Type-C for data transfer or charging compatible devices, and finally a combined Audio port of 3.5 mm for headphones or speakers.
The HP Pavilion provided a smooth experience while performing regular tasks as well as heavy-duty chores like gaming. I enjoyed the ease of unlocking with the fingerprint scanner – it worked impressively without fail each time I used it.
One thing that stood out about this laptop is its numeric keypad that greatly enhances usability especially if you are someone that works with numbers quite frequently.
Now moving on to the sound department — with two stereo speakers onboard; audio output was clear and immersive.
However, while putting it through its paces over several days' worth of tasks varying from work to play — I did encounter some glitches like freezing mouse cursor once and another time where the display pixelized everything though nothing recurrent or persistent.
Unfortunately, struggles were faced with internet connectivity due to unreasonably slow webpage loading times. As someone who thrives on speedy browsing, this was a tad annoying.
My Verdict
Lower than expected internet performance and minor system glitches aside, the HP Pavilion 15 is a compact, stylish laptop that does not cut corners when it comes to performance and user experience. Given the specifications and price point, it provides substantial value for money.
Pros And Cons
7. ASUS TUF
If you're seeking a laptop that offers both strength and impressive speed, the ASUS TUF might just be it. This $1,099 machine makes a real impact in the laptop landscape with its high-powered performance and immersive gaming experiences.
One of the first things that grabbed my attention is the beast of a processor this stunner bears - an advanced Intel i5-13500H.
It fires on all cylinders, providing impressive processing speed that outperforms many other models in this price range. Grafics? It's no slouch either, boasting an NVIDIA RTX 4050 that ensures fluidity with your preferred games, even high-octane ones like MWII or Call of Duty.
Aesthetically, it allies functionality and style effortlessly with a 15.6" FHD screen that provides razor-sharp images ideal for both gaming and work scenarios.
On the storage front, it produces a solid feat with 512 PCIe SSD storage coupled with 16GB DDR4 RAM which gives you ample space for data storage.
While some users have voiced concerns over this being somewhat low for their needs, additional RAM or m.2 SSD could remedy this hiccup.
The ASUS TUF offers excellent port selection too: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C (Gen2), 2x USB 3.2 Type-A (Gen1), and HDMI ports cater to your diverse needs.
To add another feather to its cap are speakers that offer incredible sound output amplified by DOLBY ATMOS making your gameplay immersive and more realistic.
However, not every aspect shines brightly on this device; You might need to keep an eye on its heat dispensation.
I, like many users, noticed that the dual fan, though powerful, couldn't keep the laptop from heating up during intense gaming sessions. It might be worth investing in a cooling pad for extra assurance.
Additionally, one of quirks reported was the occasional strange noise emanating from the CPU fan - while rare, this is certainly something to consider.
Despite these minor setbacks, this 4.8-pound powerhouse offers fantastic value and proves itself as a well-rounded machine — for work or play.
My Verdict
In short, the ASUS TUF offers a versatile package with robust performance specs and an appealing design.
Minor hiccups like heat management and occasional noise can be mitigated; whereas the speedy performance is nothing short of spellbinding.
It's safe to say the ASUS TUF is worth every penny and might just be exactly what you are seeking.
Pros And Cons
8. Acer Aspire 5
For those who love uncompromising performance, coupled with an aesthetic design, the Acer Aspire 5 is a fantastic choice. This impressive device, priced at $699, places an exceptional balance between functionality and style, at the forefront of its design.
The Acer Aspire 5 sports a robust build with predominant plastic but bolstered by an aluminum top for that premium feel. Hovering at a weight around 4.72 pounds, it's manageable to lug around during travel or commute.
The myriad of ports available provides ample connectivity options - be it for projectors through HDMI, headphones through the mic-in/headphone-out port or external storage devices via USB ports.
Stepping into the screen specs, this machine exhibits a full HD monitor measuring 17.3 inches diagonally.
While it might not compete perfectly with high-end displays like iPad Pro or Surface quality screens, it holds its ground confidently providing bright visuals with decent color accuracy.
This laptop comes pre-loaded with an Intel i5-1135G7 CPU which provides enough power to handle multitasking efficiently day in and day out.
With a gym-like stamina power-age fueled by an 8GB RAM and spacious storage given by the 512 SSD, your applications should run smoother than ever without any lags.
However, one small hiccup that might pinch you is Acer’s decision to solder half portion of the total RAM which restricts its upgradability option (but don’t worry – you still have another slot!).
My Verdict
My verdict about Acer Aspire 5 leans more toward positive note taking into account its price to performance ratio. The full HD display translates into real-world benefits and handling intense multitasking smoothly makes this laptop worth every penny spent on it!
However, for others, the lack of option to fully upgrade RAM and about the screen not coming on at times might tilt the balance against its favor.
In the end, what I can reassure you of is that Acer Aspire 5 will serve all your needs: whether it's for work-from-home or tackling everyday tasks, and yes, with a keyboard that lights up your world even when in dark!
Pros And Cons
9. HP Victus
HP Victus promises you a robust beast armed with impressive specs at a fairly reasonable price of $849, which can churn out pretty reliable performance for both gaming and everyday productivity.
This machine exhibits gleaming aluminium aesthetics housing a 15.6” FHD display driven by an Intel i5-12500H CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 3050 Graphics card.
While the display initially appeared somewhat washed out, I found tinkering with the Intel Display Center's settings was able to enhance color brightness, saturation, and contrast considerably.
The Victus comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a solid 512GB SSD storage space suitable for heavy duty programs and numerous files.
The robust collection of ports including 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A type, HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ-45 Ethernet port and lack of additional USB-C ports make it highly connective but with some room for improvement.
Must mention about the "audio by Bang & Olufsen" speakers - WOW! Beautifully perfect sound!
I cherished every bit of my experience using this laptop for over a month now. The backlit keyboard enhanced convenience while working late into eerie nights or in dim surroundings adding a dash of charm to it's already stylish stance.
However, on the downside, the weight is on the higher side tipping the scale at around 5 pounds. Also, the quality of plastic used for chassis construction could have been better as it seemed quite cheap to touch.
Nonetheless, I believe that given its price range, such compromises are tolerable because if you need top-notch specs like OLED display or more ports you might have to extend your budget above $1500-$3000 for similar systems from other brands like Legion or Razer.
My Verdict
Now coming to some discomforting reports of technical glitches over long term usage, I strongly recommend buyers to confirm their warranty details at the time of purchase. A few users have reported random rebooting after about 10 months of usage.
However, despite these hardships, let's remember that this laptop is a valuable package offering slick performance and ample features fitting reasonably into a controlled budget. The minor pitfalls do exist but they seem small before the colossal benefits it brings forth to the table.
Pros And Cons
10. ASUS ROG Strix G16
When it comes to beastly performance and cool aesthetics, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is hard to beat. The 16" Full HD display breathes life into visuals, while the inclusion of an Intel i7-13650HX CPU takes multitasking and gaming to a whole new level.
The NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card enthralls you with immersive gameplay and smooth video rendering.
Between the 16GB DDR5 RAM and the ample 512GB SSD storage, it's a powerhouse that handles heavy tasks seamlessly. For those who need more, don’t worry—the RAM can be upgraded.
After upgrading mine to 64Gb of RAM for my 3D scanning requirements, I noticed a black screen on startup. But guess what? A little work-around got me through; plug in an HDMI cable then unplug it for the laptop to start working perfectly.
The I/O options are abundant as well: USB and Thunderbolt ports offer blazing-fast data transfer speeds while the HDMI port conveniently hooks up larger displays whenever needed. Moreover, thanks to its Dolby Atmos speakers, no detail gets lost in your audio experience.
While this laptop shines brightly in its operational performance, be ready for its slight weight – clocking in at 5.51 lbs.
In terms of positives, I would definitely commend its high-performing specs and LED-illuminated keyboard which satisfyingly lights up each key making late-night work sessions less strenuous.
And although having your order delivered a day late is frustrating—it's worth mentioning—the experience with this laptop has been impeccable so far.
However, on the flip side, there have been instances wherein passive CPU activity while on sleep mode resulted in significant heat buildup which was concerning at first.
But on contacting Asus support they acknowledged that it is a common occurrence among gaming laptops. While it was unexciting to hear, the fact that it cools quickly impressed me.
My Verdict
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is certainly worth considering if you're hunting for a robust laptop with powerful specs and an attractive design.
Its backlit keyboard is exceptional, its performance satisfactory, considering it's a gaming laptop and apart from few quirks, which can be easily dealt with—I'd recommend this product to heavy users, gamers, or creatives who demand high performance and aesthetics.
Pros And Cons
What To Look For When Purchasing Laptops With Backlit Keyboards
Purchasing a laptop with a backlit keyboard can be highly beneficial, especially for those who often work in dimly lit environments.
When considering such a laptop, it's essential to pay attention to more than just the backlighting. Here are some important factors and features to keep in mind:
Brightness Levels
When purchasing laptops with backlit keyboards, it's essential to check if the laptop offers multiple brightness levels or if the backlighting is fixed. Adjustable brightness ensures that you can comfortably use the laptop in various lighting conditions.
Color Customization
Some laptops come with RGB backlighting, allowing you to customize the colors of individual keys or set various lighting effects. This is especially popular among gamers and professionals who like personalized aesthetics.
Key Illumination Uniformity
It's vital that the backlighting illuminates each key uniformly. Inconsistencies in lighting can be distracting, and uneven brightness can make some keys harder to identify in the dark.
Battery Life Impact
Backlit keyboards can consume extra power, which might affect the battery life of the laptop. Check reviews or manufacturer details to see if the backlit feature significantly reduces battery life and if there are energy-saving modes available.
Activation & Control
Look for how the backlighting is activated. Some laptops have ambient light sensors that automatically adjust or turn on the backlighting in dim conditions. Others may require manual activation through a specific key combination or settings in the OS.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of the keyboard should be robust. Keys should be sturdy, with a good feel when pressed. The material used for the keys should also be durable to ensure the longevity of both the keys and the backlighting.
Key Travel & Feedback
Apart from the backlighting, the typing experience itself is crucial. Ensure that the keyboard offers adequate key travel and tactile feedback, making typing comfortable and accurate.
Software Integration
Some laptops with RGB backlit keyboards may come with software that allows you to customize lighting effects, set profiles, or even synchronize the backlighting with other peripherals or apps.
Price Point & Value
The addition of backlighting or RGB features can increase the cost of a laptop. Ensure that you're getting good value for your money by comparing the features, build quality, and overall performance of the laptop with others in a similar price range.
Customer Reviews
Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to check customer reviews. Users who have already bought and used the laptop can provide valuable insights into the performance, durability, and any potential issues with the backlighting feature.
Conclusion
This article is about the best laptops with backlit keyboards which you can buy online in the year 2024. Various important features should be considered while making the final decision of buying a laptop, but some people might not even know where to begin with all these things.
For them, it would be better if they go through the complete guide on different types of modern laptops before starting their journey towards finding the perfect one for themselves.
The main thing about this list is that everyone will find something unique and amazing here according to their needs, budget, preferences, etc., so don't waste your time thinking too much and start looking at each product carefully right now.
Markus Braasch
After growing up in Germany I decided to take a brief break from entrepreneurship to study in the US. This led to meeting my beautiful wife and starting our life together in South Carolina. Written content has transformed my life. I enjoy sharing this passion with others. Please connect with me on social and let me know your thoughts on this article so my next one can be better.